6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
6 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Tour Starts & Ends: Arusha
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TREK OVERVIEW
Embark on a 6-day adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route due to its popularity and relative ease. Starting from Moshi, this route is the only one that offers hut accommodations along the way, making it a more comfortable option for climbers. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, culminating at the snow-capped Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. With steady acclimatization and expert guides, this trek is ideal for those seeking a more gradual ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Our Tanzania Destinations
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Moshi, where you will meet your guides for a briefing about the upcoming trek. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the town, or prepare your gear for the climb. Moshi, nestled at the foot of Kilimanjaro, offers a serene introduction to your trekking adventure.
- Moshi Accommodation Options
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Marangu Gate (1,870m) where your adventure officially begins. After registration, you’ll start your trek through the dense rainforest. Along the way, you’ll likely spot monkeys and exotic birds as you hike towards Mandara Hut (2,720m). Upon arrival, you’ll have time to explore Maundi Crater or relax at the hut. This first day is a gentle introduction to the climb, giving you time to acclimatize to the altitude.
Trek Information
- Distance: 8 km
- Hiking time: 4-5 hours
- Overnight: Mandara Hut
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Today’s trek takes you from the rainforest into the heath and moorland zone. As you ascend, the landscape changes dramatically, with giant heathers and occasional views of the twin peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. You’ll arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m) in the mid-afternoon, where you’ll rest and acclimatize. The extra altitude will begin to make itself felt, but the gradual ascent allows your body to adjust.
Trek Information
- Distance: 12 km
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
To increase your chances of a successful summit, you’ll spend this day acclimatizing at Horombo Hut. You can take a short hike to the Zebra Rocks (4,000m) or Mawenzi Ridge to help your body adjust to the higher altitude. This day is crucial for reducing the risk of altitude sickness and ensuring you’re well-prepared for the summit attempt. After your acclimatization hike, you’ll return to Horombo Hut for the night.
Trek Information
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
The trek continues through the alpine desert as you make your way towards Kibo Hut (4,703m), located at the base of Kibo Crater. The landscape becomes more barren, with sparse vegetation, but the views are breathtaking as you get closer to the summit. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon and rest in preparation for the final ascent, which begins at midnight. An early night is essential to ensure you’re rested and ready for the challenging climb ahead.
Trek Information
- Distance: 10 km
- Hiking time: 6-8 hours
- Overnight: Kibo Hut
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Descend to Horombo Hut
Just after midnight, you’ll begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. The climb is steep and challenging, passing through the crater rim at Gilman’s Point (5,685m) before continuing to the summit. As you push towards Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the sunrise and the vast landscape below. After taking in the incredible sight, you’ll begin your descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.
Trek Information
- Distance (ascent): 6 km to the summit
- Hiking time (ascent): 6-8 hours
- Distance (descent): 15 km to Horombo Hut
- Hiking time (descent): 5-6 hours
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Return to Moshi
After breakfast, you’ll continue your descent through the moorland and rainforest, back to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificate and say farewell to your guides and porters. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to Moshi, where you can relax and celebrate your successful climb.
Trek Information
- Distance: 20 km
- Hiking time: 5-7 hours
- Moshi Accommodation Options
Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Kilimanjaro Luxury Camp
Day 8: Departure from Moshi
Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend the morning exploring Moshi or resting at your hotel. When it’s time, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, marking the end of your incredible 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro adventure via the Marangu Route.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Park Fees: All Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees, camping or hut fees, and rescue fees are typically included in the total package.
- Professional Guides: Certified and experienced mountain guides will lead the trek. Their services include navigation, safety management, and mountain knowledge.
- Porters and Cooks: A team of porters will carry your gear, set up camp, and prepare meals, while cooks ensure that you are well-fed with nutritious meals throughout the trek.
- Meals: Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided during the trek. Meals are designed to sustain energy levels, including snacks and drinks (water, tea, coffee).
- Camping Equipment: High-quality camping gear such as tents, sleeping mats, and cooking equipment is usually provided for camping routes. Hut accommodations (like on the Marangu route) are also included where applicable.
- Transportation: Transfers to and from the starting point of the trek, as well as from the airport to your hotel.
- Accommodation Before and After the Trek: One or two nights of accommodation in Moshi or Arusha (usually one night before and one night after.
- Summit Certificates: You will receive an official certificate upon reaching Uhuru Peak or Stella Point.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- International Flights: Flights to and from Tanzania (or the destination country) are not included.
- Visa Fees: You will need to arrange your Tanzanian visa, which is not included in the trekking package.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel and health insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation is typically not included but is essential for the trek.
- Personal Equipment: Items such as sleeping bags, trekking poles, personal clothing (boots, jackets, gloves), and backpacks must be brought by the climber or rented separately.
- Tips for Guides, Porters, and Cooks: Tips are customary and expected at the end of the trek. The amount usually ranges between $250 to $300 per climber, depending on group size and satisfaction.
- Optional Activities: Additional activities or excursions before or after the trek, such as safaris, cultural tours, or city visits, are generally not included.
- Medical Expenses: Any medical treatment required during or after the trek, aside from evacuation services, is not covered.
- Personal Expenses: Costs for souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, or other personal expenses incurred during your stay are not included.
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